Covid cases in Wokingham fall slightly as free tests end

The data reveals that between March 22 and March 28, 1,898 people returned a positive test result, an decrease of 1.1 per cent compared to the previous 7 days.  

During that time there were 22,032 tests conducted, a decrease of 3.7 per cent compared to the previous week. 

READ MORE: The potholes in Bracknell and Wokingham that remain unfixed

Wokingham Council leader, Councillor John Halsall, said: “These cases numbers need to be interpreted with caution, as they are dependent on testing behaviour, the true case number and rate of covid is likely to be significantly higher. 

“There has also been a rise in hospital admissions with Covid locally but no increased admissions to critical care.” 

Between March 14 and March 20, 74 people went into Royal Berkshire Hospital with coronavirus, an increase of 27.6 per cent on last week.   

As of March 22, there were two coronavirus patients in the hospital on a mechanical ventilator. However, deaths are down 50 per cent over the same time with one death recorded within 28 days of a positive test.  

READ MORE: Work starts on new Wokingham school

The government announced that free tests will stop at the end of this week but they will still be available to over-75s and over-12s with weakened immune systems. The same groups will also be offered a Spring booster from next week. 

Cllr Halsall said: “All residents who are eligible can walk up at [Wokingham Central] library and receive their vaccine at a time convenient to them. 

“Covid has, understandably, taken a back seat in the national headlines over recent weeks. However, we must remember that the virus is still circulating.”